Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bacillus clausii is a probiotic bacterium that has been studied as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy, primarily to help prevent or reduce antibiotic-associated side effects such as diarrhea. The scientific rationale is that B. clausii spores can survive gastric acid and colonize the gut, helping restore the natural microbiota disrupted by antibiotics. Several randomized controlled trials, particularly in pediatric populations, have shown that supplementation with B. clausii reduces the incidence and duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea compared to placebo. For example, a 2007 multicenter study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition demonstrated a significant reduction in diarrhea among children receiving both antibiotics and B. clausii compared to antibiotics alone.

Moreover, B. clausii exhibits resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, allowing it to persist and exert effects during antibiotic therapy. It is not, however, an alternative to antibiotics for treating infections; instead, its use is adjunctive, supporting gut health during antibiotic treatment. Regulatory agencies in some countries (e.g., Italy, India) have approved B. clausii preparations for this purpose. Despite promising results, the overall quality of evidence is moderate, with some studies limited by small sample sizes and methodological variations. Therefore, while not a replacement for antibiotics, there is scientific support for its use to mitigate antibiotic-induced disruptions of the gut microbiome.

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Products containing bacillus clausii

Douglas Laboratories Multi-Probiotic Spore
Designs For Health ProbioSpore™